Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has swiftly dismissed rumors about Mohamed Salah's potential move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
Several British news sources reported on August 24 that Al-Ittihad was interested in acquiring the 31-year-old Egyptian footballer, who still has two years remaining on his contract with Liverpool.
Reports indicated that Al-Ittihad was reportedly determined to secure Salah's services and was willing to pursue the transfer until the conclusion of the current window. Salah's significant influence and superstar status in the Middle East and Gulf Peninsula regions made him an appealing prospect to the Saudi club.
Furthermore, certain sources suggested that a purported deal between Salah and Al-Ittihad had been reached, with terms entailing a £191 million annual contract for three years, totaling £573 million. The Saudi club's interest in Salah was said to stem from their desire for him to become the face of the Saudi Pro League, potentially succeeding Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in that role.
In response to these claims regarding Al-Ittihad's strong interest in securing Salah's services, Klopp addressed the matter on August 25:
“There’s nothing there. If there was something, the answer would be no (he’s not for sale). I think about a problem when I have it but there is absolutely nothing at the moment. If there’s something coming I don’t know, then I’d have to think about it. But if something comes, it would be no. Mo is 100% committed to Liverpool Football Club.”
Liverpool has already experienced unexpected departures this summer, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson leaving the club. Despite signing Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo during the current transfer window, the Reds are still in search of another midfielder.
This marks not the first instance of Salah attracting interest from Saudi Arabia this summer. He is expected to return to action for Liverpool on August 27 against Newcastle in the Premier League.